Core Points - The Tianwen-2 probe has been in orbit for 33 days and is currently over 12 million kilometers away from Earth [1] - The National Space Administration released images captured by the probe, including Earth and Moon images taken from approximately 590,000 kilometers away [3] - The mission aims to conduct multiple exploration tasks, including sampling and returning from asteroid 2016HO3 and conducting scientific exploration of comet 311P [5] Mission Objectives - Tianwen-2 is China's first interplanetary sample return mission, targeting asteroid 2016HO3, which is considered a "quasi-satellite" of Earth, and comet 311P, which has unique characteristics [6][8] - The selection of these targets is based on their scientific value and the feasibility of the mission, with 2016HO3 potentially containing primordial information about the solar system's formation [6] Challenges and Strategies - The mission faces significant challenges due to the long duration and high risks, necessitating a "fly-and-explore" approach to decision-making during the mission [9] - The average diameter of asteroid 2016HO3 is about 41 meters, and it is in a high-speed rotation state, complicating the sampling process [9][10] - There are concerns about signal delays affecting the probe's autonomous control and operational reliability [11] Equipment and Technology - Tianwen-2 is equipped with various cameras for scientific exploration and documentation, with a planned operational period of approximately ten years [12] - The probe will execute 13 mission phases, each documented by different types of cameras designed for specific imaging tasks [12][14] - The design of camera angles and positions has been meticulously planned to ensure successful imaging during critical moments [16][18]

Core Viewpoint - The Tianwen-2 mission represents China's first dual-target exploration of extraterrestrial small bodies, marking a significant advancement in deep space exploration. The mission aims to explore and sample asteroid 2016HO3 and conduct scientific investigations of main belt comet 311P over a complex 10-year mission period [1][3]. Mission Objectives - The Tianwen-2 mission has two primary objectives: to explore and collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3 and to conduct scientific exploration of main belt comet 311P [1][3]. Mission Complexity - The mission involves a complex flight process with approximately 13 flight stages, indicating high risk and difficulty [1][3]. - The spacecraft consists of a main probe and a return capsule, which will separate upon reaching Earth for re-entry [3]. Challenges in Exploration - The first major challenge is the trajectory design for reaching asteroid 2016HO3, which requires precise calculations due to the differing orbits of the Earth and the asteroid [8][10]. - The second challenge involves the sampling process at asteroid 2016HO3, where the characteristics of the asteroid's surface are largely unknown, necessitating a "fly, explore, and decide" strategy [5][7][12]. - The third challenge is the return of samples to Earth, which requires the spacecraft to withstand re-entry at speeds exceeding the second cosmic velocity, approximately 12 kilometers per second [15][17]. Mission Duration and Capabilities - The Tianwen-2 mission is expected to last about 10 years, with the first 2.5 years dedicated to the exploration and sampling of asteroid 2016HO3, followed by over 7 years of travel to comet 311P [18]. - The spacecraft must possess long-lasting capabilities to endure temperature variations and radiation over the mission duration [20]. - Enhanced communication capabilities are necessary due to the significant distance of asteroid 2016HO3, which is approximately 42 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon [22]. Autonomous Operations - The spacecraft is designed to operate autonomously, making decisions without constant ground control oversight, which is essential for long-duration deep space missions [24].